Student Financial Assistance

Student Financial Aid Information

  1. Student Financial Aid Information: Prospective Students / Current Students

Educational Loans

Federal Direct Loans
Information about the Master Promissory Note, the Subsidized Direct Loan, and the Unsubsidized Direct Loan offered through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

How Much Can I Borrow?

Annual loan limits for subsidized Federal Direct Loans are $3057 for the first year. Also, a dependent undergraduate may borrow up to $1747 in an unsubsidized loan. Students whose parents are denied a PLUS Loan or independent students may be eligible to borrow additional funds through the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan program up to $5240. Total Federal Direct Loan limits are up to $8297.

  • Loan Fees

The loan fee for the Federal Direct Loans is 1.059%, which will be deducted from each loan disbursement received by the college.

  • Loan Entrance Interview

Federal regulations require that a student borrowing a Federal Direct Loan for the first time at a school attend an Entrance Interview session, either in-person or on-line, even if he/she has attended one at a previous school, before receiving any federal monies.

  • Master Promissory Note

The Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note allows you to borrow Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans for your entire college career by signing only one note. It can be used for a single period of enrollment (one academic year) or multiple periods (such as your first through senior years).

This note is valid for up to ten years from the original date of signature. It is crucial that you understand the long-term commitment you are making by signing this note. We encourage you to record all amounts that you borrow and keep all of your loan paperwork together so you can keep track of your cumulative borrowing.

  • How and When Do I Get My Loan Money?

Loan funds are disbursed in two equal installments, normally once each semester. These funds will be received by the school electronically. You must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis when the loan is disbursed to be eligible to receive the funds. Your Federal Direct Loan funds will be credited to your student account and will reduce the amount you owe the school.

  • Repayment Options

Repayment on Federal Direct Loans begins six months after graduation from EMSOM, or if you cease to be at least a half-time student. You will have from 10 to 25 years to repay your loan, depending on the repayment plan that you choose. You may choose among several repayment plans. You may change plans at any time, and there is no penalty for pre-payment.

Standard Repayment Plan – Fixed monthly payments of at least $50 for up to 10 years.

Graduated Repayment Plan – Payments start out lower and increase, usually every two years. The loan must be repaid within ten years.

Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan – Your monthly payment is adjusted each year based on your annual income (and your spouse’s income, if you are married), your family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. You make payments for 25 years and then any unpaid loan amount will be forgiven.

Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan -This plan caps required monthly payments at an amount that is intended to be affordable based on income and family size. You are eligible to repay under the IBR if your calculated IBR payment is less than what you would have to pay under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan. If you repay under the IBR for 25 years and meet other requirements, any remaining balance of your loan(s) may be canceled.

Types of Federal Direct Loans for Students

  • Subsidized Direct Loan

This is a need-based loan. The interest rate on this loan is fixed at 5.5%, and the federal government pays the interest while you are enrolled at least half-time. There is a six-month grace period after your last date of at least half-time enrollment before you begin repayment on the loan.

  • Unsubsidized Direct Loan

This is a non-need-based loan with terms similar to the Subsidized Direct Loan with one major exception: you are responsible for all the interest payments. The interest rate on this loan is fixed at 5.5%. You may pay the interest while you are enrolled or allow it to accrue and be capitalized.

Steps to Applying for a Federal Direct Loan

  • First-Time Federal Direct Loan Borrowers Only
    1. Complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). Click here to complete the MPN now: https://studentloans.gov.
    2. Complete your mandatory Federal Direct Loan entrance interview. You may do this by going to www.mappingyourfuture.org. Click on Entrance Counseling on the left-hand side of the screen.

Direct Parent Loans
The Direct PLUS Loan program enables parents with a good credit history to borrow as much as the full cost of attendance, minus any financial aid, each year.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Educational Loans

The European Medical School of Massage Financial Aid Office recognizes that financing a European Medical School of Massage education may involve deferring some of the cost through a low-interest loan program. Your educational investment will require informed financial decisions about loans. We are committed to helping you understand your federal loan eligibility and options.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

The Direct PLUS Loan program enables parents with a good credit history to borrow as much as the full cost of attendance, minus any financial aid, each year. Interest begins to accrue immediately, but repayment may be deferred until six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The repayment term is ten years. All Federal PLUS borrowers must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Direct PLUS Loans have a fixed interest rate of 8.05%. The loan fees for the Direct PLUS Loans is 4.228% which is deducted from each loan disbursement expected by the college.

  • Master Promissory Note

The Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note allows you to borrow a Direct PLUS Loan for your child’s career by signing only one note. This note is valid for up to ten years from the original date of signature. It is crucial that you understand the long-term commitment you are making by signing this note. We encourage you to record all amounts that you borrow and keep all of your loan paperwork together so you can keep track of your cumulative borrowing.

  • How and When Do I Receive the Direct PLUS Loan Funds?

Direct PLUS Loan funds are disbursed in two equal installments, normally once every 22 weeks and 393 hours. These funds will be received by the school electronically. The student must be enrolled at least half-time when the loan is disbursed to be eligible to receive the funds. Your Direct PLUS Loan funds will be credited to the student’s account and will reduce the amount owed to the school.

Steps to Applying for a Direct PLUS Loan

  • First-Time Parent Borrowers Only
  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)if you have not already done so. This form is required for all federal loans. European Medical School of Massage federal school code number is 04261300.
  2. Complete the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). Click here to complete it now:
    https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action
  3. Complete the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Application. Click here to complete it now:
    https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action
  • Previous Parent PLUS Loan Borrowers Only
  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you have not already done so. This form is required for all federal loans. European Medical School of Massage federal school code number is 04261300.
  2. Complete the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Application. Click here to complete it now:
    https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action

Alternative Loans
Alternative loans, also commonly referred to as private loans, are commercial loans offered by banks and other private lenders as an option to help cover the difference between the cost of education and the financial aid received.

Contact Us
Dorel Lacatus, Director
LeeAnne Spohn, Financial Aid Administrator, Acting Director

Office of Financial Aid
2921 Windmill Road Suite 1
Sinking Spring, Pa 19608
Phone: 610-670-6100
contact@emsom.edu

Awarding Process mailto: contact@emsom.edu

Financial aid applications are processed by federal Central Processing Services (CPS). The processor does not award or deny funds. They assist in calculating financial needs. Awards are based on the following:

STEP 1: Completing Verification

If a student’s financial aid application is selected for review by the Financial Aid Office or by CPS, the Financial Aid Office must receive all supporting documentation from an applicant (or spouse if married or parent if required). This involves cross-checking information from all documentation (including the application) related to earned income, untaxed income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and household size. This process is called “verification.”

STEP 2: Assigning Budgets

Financial aid student is assigned a Standard Nine-Month Student Budget which includes average tuition, the basic cost of fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. Additional costs related to documented child care expenses, expenses related to disability, or expenses related to the purchase or upgrade of a computer may be assessed and factored into a student’s primary nine-month budget.

STEP 3: Calculating Family Contribution

The Financial Aid Office verifies parent and student contribution as calculated by the Federal need analysis formula. This family contribution is the amount that the family may reasonably be expected to contribute toward meeting the student’s expenses. The formula process is called “need analysis.” The theory of need analysis is based on the following assumptions:

  • Students have a primary responsibility to pay for their education
  • Parents, and or spouse to the extent that they can fund their child or spouse’s education.
  • Families should be evaluated in a consistent and equitable manner while recognizing that special circumstances can alter a family’s ability to contribute.
  • All students (dependent and independent) are expected to contribute towards their education. The expected contribution (EFC) is determined by a Federal formula calculation which adds together all resources which include:
  • Earnings from employment;
  • Social Security and Veteran’s Benefits;
  • A percentage of assets such as savings and investments.
  • A formulated percentage of basic living and medical expenses.

Step 4: Establishing Financial Need

From the need analysis, Financial Aid Office will be able to determine the relative financial strength or ability to pay for your post-secondary educational expenses. Financial need is determined by subtracting the amount of the expected contribution from the regular budget. The remainder equals financial eligibility or “financial need.”

Receive Notification of Eligibility

The federal Central Processing Service will notify the student and each college identified on the student ISIR about the student Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Then the Financial Aid Office, after collection and verification of required documentation, will be able to inform the student about how much and what type of aid a student will be able to receive. Federal student aid will not cover all of the student school expenses.

For purposes of initial identification and ISIR loads, European Medical School of Massage will be listed on the ISIR and process all verification and eligibility for the student.

Financial aid is awarded in the form of a “package” or a combination of different types of assistance. Preferential treatment is given to students who have the greatest financial aid eligibility (calculated EFC) and who have a completed their FAFSA application by the first priority date.

European Medical School of Massage defines an award year beginning July 1-June 30.

All financial aid awards are subjected to change based on new financial information or changes in federal or state funding.

Initial Disbursement

The Financial Aid Office determines if the disbursement is an initial (first ever received) Pell disbursement. Students are paid the first time based on their enrollment and good standing if ISIR/SAR is received before the end of the student’s first pay period. Disbursements after that are based on satisfactory progress and completion of hours in the first payment period.

– Method by which aid is determined and disbursed, delivered, or applied to a student’s account

SAIG Mailbox/Destination Point used for student records (ISIRs and COD Common Records, DL & NSLDS reports)

  • the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) generated by the Central Processing System (CPS), which contains student data from the FAFSA and other federal databases,
  • the “common record” for the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system, which contains award and payment information for FSA Grants and Direct Loans,
  • the Enrollment Monitoring Report through the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), which is used to establish a student’s eligibility for in-school loan deferments (even if your school does not offer FSA loans), and
  • the Transfer Monitoring Report through NSLDS, which is used to track aid that may have been received by a transfer student at a previous school.

Subsequent Disbursements

If this is subsequent (not first-ever received) Pell disbursement, the student must have maintained satisfactory progress for a previous pay period.

Disbursement Periods

Pell Grants will typically funds are disbursed in two equal installments, normally once every 19 weeks or 350 hours. The Business Office posts awards to the student account and then draws down money for Pell funds from the G-5 account. The Pell account is reviewed after each posting.

Disbursement Procedures

Student contracts serve as a requisition and are submitted to the Accounting Department indicating the names of the students whose funds are to be disbursed and a number of disbursements. Once the Accounting Department receives disbursement paperwork confirmation, they request funds through G5. The funds are electronically deposited into the assigned bank account. Funds are drawn from G5 and disbursed to the student/student’s account. European Medical School of Massage never holds funds past three business days. The remaining funds are given to the student to be used for non-institutional, educationally related expenses.

Disbursement for Books and Supplies

European Medical School of Massage has a provision that is only for Pell-eligible students, in determining the funds for books and supplies. The institution considers all of the Title IV program funds that a student is eligible to receive at the time. Students must meet applicable eligibility requirements within the first week of class to utilize the funds for this purpose.

Those requirements are:

  • Title IV Federal Aid eligible,
  • Registered for classes,
  • Not have a previous balance on their account,
  • Federal aid is ready to disburse, and
  • Once aid is disbursed, have a credit balance of federal student aid after covering the cost of direct charges (tuition and fees).

Checks or a direct deposit refund, in the amount of the average cost of books and supplies ($2180.00), will be issued before the class start. Any scheduled holiday will delay the process typically by one day.

EMSOM will only identify eligible students on the tenth day before the start of the class, and students will not be reviewed again for credit increases and decreases which may occur during the official add/drop period of 393 hours and 22 weeks.

If a student drops any or all coursework after the release date of the funds, then the student is responsible for repayment to EMSOM within ten days.

All eligible students will be given the appropriate award year (2023-24) form to opt out of advanced funds for Title IV recipients to obtain books and supplies if they choose this option.

Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress

  • 668.34 An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is making satisfactory academic progress in his or her educational program and may receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs.

Satisfactory Academic Progress:

Satisfactory academic progress will be assessed every eight (8) weeks. Satisfactory progress standards apply to all full-time students enrolled in any school program. The School grades on a Percentage grading scale for all classes, including the required 140 practical hours. Students must maintain minimum standards of academic and practical achievements while enrolled at the School to advance in the program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress:

A minimum cumulative 75% or GPA of 2.0 at the end of each 8-week term.

Currently passing any prerequisite courses that span over eight weeks. Students may complete the Massage Therapy program in as little as nine months (786 hours) or as long as 13 1/2 months (1136 hours) for full-time students.

The pace of Completion:

38 weeks length of program = 67% minimum required at

57 weeks 150% maximum time frame for each evaluation to receive the next disbursement of Title IV aid.

Attendance in an amount of less than 95% of the core curriculum will result in the requirement of make-up hours for classes not attended.

Sample loan repayment schedule

Based on a loan of $8211

Repayment Plan First Monthly Payment Last Monthly Payment Total Amount Paid Projected LoanForgiveness Repayment Period
Standard $82 $82 $9,852 $0 120 months
Graduated $46 $139 $10,388 $0 120 months

The necessity for repaying loans is important as this can damage credit rating for at least 7 years, resulting in a loss of generous repayment schedule and deferment options, possible seizure of federal and state income tax refunds due, exposure to the civil suit, referral of the account to a collection agency, liability for collection costs and attorney’s fees, and garnishment of wages.

Procedures and forms by which students apply for financial assistance

FAFSA Information to be Verified

The following is a listing of the FAFSA information that may need to be verified for applicants who complete a FAFSA. Information is to be verified for the applicant and, if appropriate, his or her parent(s) or spouse.

Information for All Applicants Selected for Verification

A number of household members. Verification is not required if the –

  • The applicant is dependent and the applicant’s parent’s marital status is single, separated, divorced, or widowed, and the family size reported on the FAFSA is two.
  • The applicant is dependent, and applicant’s parent’s marital status is married, and the family size reported on the FAFSA is three.
  • The applicant is independent, the applicant’s marital status is single, separated, divorced, or widowed, and the family size reported on the FAFSA is one.
  • The applicant is independent, the applicant’s marital status is married, and the family size reported on the FAFSA is two.
  • A number of household members enrolled at least half-time in eligible postsecondary institutions.
  • Verification is not required if the number in college reported on the FAFSA is one.
  • Food Stamps – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – if the receipt is indicated on the FAFSA.

Information for Tax Filers When Applicant Selected for Verification

  • Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
  • S. income tax paid.
  • Untaxed Income – only the following untaxed income if reported on the FAFSA
  • Untaxed IRA distributions.
  • Untaxed Pensions.
  • Education credits.
  • IRA deductions.
  • Tax-exempt interest.

Information for Non-Tax Filers When Applicant Selected for Verification

  • Income earned from work.

Financial Aid Estimated Award Letter

If a student meets all eligibility requirements and all application materials required are received, and the SAR/ISIR is verified, the Financial Aid Office prepares an Estimated Award Letter. This Estimated Award Letter becomes a permanent part of the student’s file and serves to document exactly how and why a student received a particular award.

Exit Counseling

European Medical School of Massage financial aid counselor will email exit counseling directions through studentloans.gov shortly before a borrower completes the program. One of a borrower’s obligations is to log in and complete the exit counseling session. If the borrower drops out without notifying the school, the financial aid administrator must mail exit counseling material to the borrower at his or her last known address within 30 days after learning that the borrower has left school or failed to attend an exit counseling session. The financial aid administrator must request the return to the school of information required under the Higher Education Amendments of 1992.

If a borrower fails to provide the information, the school is not required to take any further action. As with entrance counseling, if the school is complying with the required default reduction measures, testing of information presented must be part of the exit counseling process.

During exit counseling, the financial aid administrator must obtain the borrower’s expected permanent address after leaving school, the name and address of the borrower’s expected employer, and the address of the borrower’s next of kin. Schools must correct their records to reflect any changes in a borrower’s name, address, Social Security Number, or references, and it must obtain the borrower’s current driver’s license number. Within 60 days after the exit interview, the financial aid administrator must provide the guarantor (indicated in the borrower’s student aid records) with any updated information he or she receives from the borrower.

Much of the material presented at the entrance counseling session will again be presented during exit counseling. The emphasis for exit counseling shifts, however, to loan repayment obligations and debt-management strategies.

Students enrolled in the European Medical and Therapeutic Massage Program during July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 have successfully obtained and retained jobs in the field they are trained, 100% job placement rate is verified through the student roster submitted annually required by the schools’ accreditation body COMTA, the Commission On Massage Therapy Accreditation, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education Annual Statistical Survey.

Notice of Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

As a condition for receiving federal funds or any other form of federal financial assistance, all institutions of higher education must implement a drug and alcohol policy that complies with applicable federal, state, and local drug and alcohol laws. The law requires institutions to implement a program that will prevent the unlawful manufacturing, dispensing, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. European Medical School of Massage has programs and policies in place to support a drug-free environment. One may obtain a complete copy of European Medical School of Massage and Alcohol Policy by contacting Student Services.

Any violation of these policies or local, state, or federal laws regarding illicit drugs or alcohol will result in appropriate disciplinary action. In addition to college disciplinary sanctions, students, faculty, and staff involved with illegal use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances may face criminal penalties, and the college will cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as appropriate. If an employee has concerns about drug or alcohol use – their own or others – they may want to consult with the school’s career counselor.

As students of the school, students can expect an atmosphere that supports personal growth and learning. The school requires that its students comply with legal standards applicable to alcohol use. This Alcohol Policy together with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provides the framework for guiding your decisions around alcohol.

THE LAW (ALCOHOL)

  • The minimum age in Pennsylvania for the purchase, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is 21 years.
  • It is illegal to furnish or serve alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21.
  • The law prohibits carrying or consuming alcoholic beverages in open containers outdoors on public property, regardless of a person’s age.
  • It is illegal to possess or use false identification or to misrepresent one’s age for the purpose of obtaining or consuming alcoholic beverages.
  • No group which is not licensed by the Liquor Control Board (LCB) may sell alcoholic beverages. The use of chips, tickets or other means of exchange in place of cash violates LCB regulations.
  • It is illegal to appear in any public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol to the degree that you may endanger yourself or other persons or property or annoy persons in your vicinity.
  • A person under the age of 21 is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle with ANY alcohol in his/ her system.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol (blood alcohol level of 0.08% or greater) is illegal.

Violations of the Alcohol Policy

  • Students who violate the law may be accountable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The specific violations and potential penalties are outlined in the table entitled “Pennsylvania State Sanctions Related to Alcohol and Drug Offenses” set forth below.
  • Students who violate the school’s Alcohol Policy are in violation and will be held accountable.
  • If students under the age of 21 are found to be in a location where alcohol is being consumed, the school will presume that the underage students are in possession of, and have been consuming, alcohol. It is, therefore, best for those under the age of 21 not to be in situations that give the appearance of Alcohol Policy violations or violations of Pennsylvania Law.
  • Those students over the age of 21 should know that they bear a special responsibility under the Pennsylvania law to prove that they were not providing alcohol to minors and that persons under the age of 21 were not consuming or possessing alcohol.

The Congress’s Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any Federal program after October 1, 1990, all institutions of higher education must certify that they have adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful manufacturing, dispensing, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. Likewise, anyone who submits research proposals to federal agencies must certify that they will not engage in any of the aforementioned activities during the period covered by the grant.

Individuals who do not make such certification and those who violate its terms will lose federal funds. As required by Federal regulations, this information was developed and distributed to inform all School members of the seriousness of the use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol. It also sets forth standards of conduct regarding such activity.

Standards of Conduct
The unlawful manufacturing, possession, distribution, dispensing, or use of illicit drugs or alcohol on school property or as part of any school activity by any member of the school is strictly prohibited. Any violation of school policies and local ordinances, State or Federal laws will result in appropriate disciplinary action. In addition to school sanctions, students should know that where appropriate, the school will cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.

When on a school-owned property or at any school activity (on or off campus), all individuals and groups will be expected to observe and comply with drug and alcohol laws. The host of any event at which alcohol is provided in any way is responsible for complying with public laws, regulations, and policies established by the school. The “host” is the person, persons, or organization who provides the food, beverages, or accommodations in which the activity takes place. The school reserves the right to prohibit or otherwise limit the consumption of alcohol at certain events and in certain facilities. For more information, contact the School Office at 610-670-6100.

Illicit Drugs
Illicit Drugs are controlled substances that possess a high potential for abuse have no currently accepted medical use in the United States and demonstrate a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Controlled substances so defined fall under seven headings: marijuana (marijuana, hashish); stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine); depressants (barbiturates, tranquilizers, hypnotics); hallucinogens (LSD, PCP). Opiates or narcotics (heroin, morphine, opium, codeine); inhalants (sprays, solvents, glue); and designer drugs (synthetic drugs similar in effect to stimulants, hallucinogens, and narcotics). To be used legally and safely, some of the drugs above must be prescribed by a physician. This list is not comprehensive; there may be substances omitted that are also illegal and fall under the designation of controlled substances.

Alcohol
Alcohol, the shortened term for ethyl alcohol, is a depressant that slows the activity of the central nervous system and the brain. Alcohol is a substance regulated by local, state, and federal agencies with respect to its purchase, transportation, consumption, and possession.

References to legal sanctions are illustrative only and can vary due to technical sentencing guidelines and revisions. Therefore, in any given offense, the penalty will be affected by factors such as any prior record, the quantity of any controlled substance involved, and whether or not the offender is a current drug user.

Legal Sanctions
The purchase, consumption, transportation, or possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21 is punishable by fines of up to $500 and loss of driving privileges in Pennsylvania. Misrepresentation of age to purchase alcohol and altering, selling, or manufacturing of false identification is also punishable by minimum fines of $1,000 and loss of driving privileges. The selling or furnishing of alcoholic beverages to those under 21 is punishable by a mandatory fine of $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for each subsequent violation. Lying about age to obtain alcohol, making a false ID, and furnishing alcohol to individuals under age 21 are misdemeanor offenses.

The legal sanctions for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs are more diverse than the sanctions governing alcohol. They may vary from fines for first-time misdemeanor offenses involving simple possession of certain substances to felony counts and multiple-year terms of imprisonment for more serious violations.

The unlawful possession of fewer than 30 grams of marijuana or less than 8 grams of hashish, for example, is a misdemeanor and may carry a maximum jail sentence of 30 days and a fine of $500. The manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver heroin and other narcotics is a felony and carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years and a $250,000 fine.

A complete summary of penalties related to alcohol and illicit drugs may be found online at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Individuals seeking legal advice regarding drug or alcohol laws should consult legal counsel.

Reporting Obligations

In accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, any employee who is convicted of a criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace. Or at any off-site activity sponsored by the School, must, within five (5) days after the conviction, notify European Medical School of Massage of such conviction by informing the Director or the President. Appropriate Federal grant agencies will be notified within ten (10) days (as required by law) after we have been informed of such a conviction.

Applicability

All employees of European Medical School of Massage, including faculty, staff, and student employees, must comply with this policy as a condition of employment. Persons who are not employees of the School but who perform work at the School for its benefit (such as contractors and their employees, temporary employees provided by agencies, visitors engaged in joint projects, etc.) are required to comply with this policy. Violation of this policy by such persons is likely to result in their being barred from the workplace upon the first offense.

Health Risks

In addition to the detrimental effects on performance, the health risks of drug abuse have been well researched and documented:

  • All drugs are toxic or poisonous when abused. Health risks of drug abuse include, but are not limited to, sleep disorders, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, deep depression, malnutrition, liver and kidney damage, cardiac irregularities, hepatitis, neurological damage, and the transmission of the AIDS virus through infected needles.
  • Alcohol is a depressant. It depresses the central nervous system and can cause severe physical damage. Abuse of alcohol can damage the liver (cirrhosis), cause hypertension, cardiac irregularities, ulcers, pancreatitis, kidney disease, memory loss, tremors, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and cancer of the esophagus, liver, bladder, or lungs.
  • Abuse of alcohol or drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, spontaneous abortion, and stillbirth.
  • Substance abuse often leads to on-the-job accidents and absenteeism.

Available Resources, Education, and Assistance

The School recognizes drug and alcohol dependency as treatable conditions and offers support programs through a counseling resource list.

Faculty and staff members who are concerned about problems related to substance use, abuse, and rehabilitation are encouraged to seek assistance through these resources. You may contact Career counseling which will provide other confidential referrals as a constructive way for employees to deal voluntarily with drug and alcohol-related problems.

Sanctions

European Medical School of Massage will impose sanctions on individuals and organizations who violate this policy. These sanctions will be consistently enforced, and penalties will depend on the severity of the offense. Penalties may include termination of employment and referral for prosecution of the most serious violations of law and this policy. For example, an employee found to be selling illegal drugs will be subject to discipline up to and including discharge from employment. Disciplinary action may be invoked entirely apart from any civil or criminal penalties which may apply to the employee or organization.